Filming has begun on Amazon Studio’s ‘The Aeronauts’ and to celebrate the first day of production a first-look photo has been released. This dizzying film, directed by Tom Harper (‘War & Peace’), stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, who were both nominated for the Academy Award for ‘The Theory of Everything‘. (He won.) In ‘The Aeronauts’, Jones plays wealthy widowed pilot Amelia Wren, who accompanies Redmayne’s scientist James Glaisher on an ambitious balloon trek across 1862 Europe in hopes of soaring higher than anyone else ever has. Inspired by a true story, Harper plans to film as much of this in the sky as possible. While Jones and Redmayne act aboard their airship, a cameraman will shoot from a nearby helicopter! It’s like ‘Mission: Impossible – Victorian Era’!
In a statement that accompanied the new photo, producer Todd Lieberman explained:
“A top priority for us on The Aeronauts is authenticity. With that in mind, we intend to do as much balloon filming in the sky as the weather will allow. This image was taken after we launched Felicity and Eddie 2,000 feet in the air, performing their scripted scene, while a helicopter captured it all. We’re fortunate that Felicity and Eddie have the nerve to do these stunts themselves as it authenticates our entire approach.”
Yikes! While this first image looks leisurely, there will be thrills as Amelia and James attempt to rise higher than anyone ever has, as the air thins around them and their chances for survival look dimmer. Even with the thrills and gorgeous scenery, ‘The Aeronauts’ also promises to be a deep character driven tale as the two leads learn more about themselves and each other.
Joining Lieberman and Harper as a producer is David Hoberman. Jack Thorne wrote the script based on a story he crafted with Harper. The cast also includes Oscar nominee Tom Courtenay (‘The Dresser’, ‘Doctor Zhivago’), BAFTA nominee Anne Reid, BAFTA winner Rebecca Fron, Vincent Perez, Tim McInnery, Phoebe Fox and Himesh Patel.
Amazon has not announced a release date yet for ‘The Aeronauts’.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
